One of the first things you will have to consider when it comes time to replace an old fence or build one for the first time is what material you are going to use.

You basically have two main options when it comes to fencing material (unless you have money spilling from your pockets). These two options consist of vinyl fencing and wood fencing. Today, we are going to look at the pros and cons of vinyl fencing.

What is Vinyl Fencing?

Before we dig into the pros and cons, it is important to understand what exactly vinyl fencing is. It is a resilient product constructed from a plastic-based substance that is prized in the fencing industry for its durability. Wood fences tend to rot with age while a vinyl fence hold up for the long haul. Vinyl fencing does not require regular care and maintenance such as staining or painting.

Pros:

Vinyl fencing has any number of benefits. These include:

1. Variety

Vinyl fencing comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. You can get ones that look just like wood or in a number of colors. Popular color choices include white, gray, and tan, although it is possible to find other colors and even patterned fencing.

2. Ready to Go

Buy vinyl fencing and it is ready to go right out of the box. There is no painting or staining required. Best of all, they come in ready-to-install strips that can easily be put together. Most of the time no tools are required for construction.

3. Easy to Clean

It is easy to clean vinyl fencing with a hose. Their glossy, non-porous surfaces make spraying them off easy. A side benefit of this design is that graffiti is easy to remove.

4. Durable

Vinyl fencing does not get dry rot, fungus, or termite damage. It is most often fire resistant. It is also stronger than most wood fencing.

Cons:

Though vinyl fencing has a long list of benefits, it also has a handful of disadvantages. These include:

5. Cost

Vinyl fencing is more expensive than wood fencing. This makes it difficult and costly for people to use vinyl fencing for a large area. However, it is worth noting that the initial investment might pay off in the long-term as most vinyl fencing is guaranteed by its producer for life.

6. Extremes

Temperature extremes can sometimes negatively affect vinyl fencing. High temperatures can bend and warp the vinyl. High winds can also twist sections since they are usually not as tightly secured as wooden fencing.

7. Repair

If something does happen to your vinyl fence, you might have to replace more than just a board or two. Even if only a single board is damaged, you usually have to replace the entire section it fits into.

Is Vinyl Fencing for You?

At the end of the day, whether or not vinyl fencing is for you depends on your personal needs and preferences. It is definitely a popular product that a lot of people swear by. But depending on your circumstances you might be better off with wood. Hopefully the pros and cons of vinyl fencing discussed above will help you make a decision.